Table 5.

Distribution of average values on RHS-15 scale and the methods of coping with stress.

	Items 1–14					Distress thermometer
		n	M	SD	p-Value	n	M	SD	F, p-Value
I get mobilised and do my best to cope with my problems	Yes	361	18.8	9.1	p=0.00	364	5.1	2.2	p=0.00
	No	250	22.1	10.6		256	5.7	2.1
I ask others for advice and help	Yes	171	20.4	9.5	p=0.71	171	5.2	2.1	p=0.71
	No	440	20.1	10.1		449	5.4	2.2
I focus on other things which divert my attention and improve my mood	Yes	322	20.1	9.5	p=0.88	326	5.2	2.1	p=0.03
	No	289	20.2	10.3		294	5.5	2.3
I comfort myself with the thought that it could have been be worse, but by now I am safe	Yes	287	21.5	9.6	p=0.00	326	5.6	2	p=0.02
	No	324	19	10		394	5.1	2.3
I pray to God for help	Yes	191	22.1	9.5	p=0.00	194	5.7	2.2	p=0.00
	No	420	19.3	10		426	5.2	2.2
I take sedatives	Yes	94	26.7	9.6	p=0.00	95	6.4	1.9	p=0.00
	No	517	19	9.5		525	5.2	2.2
I give up, don't know what to do, don't know what is going to happen	Yes	33	30.3	10	p=0.00	34	7	1.6	p=0.00
	No	578	19.6	9.6		586	5.2	2.2
I resort to alcohol, tobacco or other stimulants	Yes	16	19.6	7.3	p=0.82	16	6	1.9	p=0.22
	No	595	20.2	10		604	5.3	2.2